Oh God I’m Depressed!

How often do you ever hear yourself saying that you are depressed? I bet many people think they are…. most of the time, right? But sometimes things might get just a little worse than just saying that you are depressed. It can affect your professional and personal life as well as your physical health.

Many people think of it as a phase of life and it will pass. However, it is important to know that if any depressive situation prevails extending more than two weeks it might be a problem that needs attention. It is very important to realize that depression, in whichever form it may be, affects health as much as any other illness does.

There are many types of depressive states which might be eating away inside us; different types of anxieties, disorders, grief, loss, stress and phobias all of which can take a person into a depressive state.

It is highly advisable for anyone who is suffering from a mental state of illness which lasts longer then at least a fortnight and is affecting daily life, to consult a practicing physician/physiatrist/psychologist that can help a person with proper medications, mental exercises and treatments.

How to Differentiate

It is important to distinguish between Depression and feeling low or sad. You are most likely to be depressed if:

•  You find no enjoyment and pleasure in life and everything seems dull
•  Feel sad, low and miserable most of the time
•  Finding it hard to get out of bed in the morning
•  Lack of energy and enthusiasm to do your work
•  Don’t want to meet people
•  Are not taking proper care of yourself (hygiene, rest, food, etc.)
•  Feelings of guilt and shame

If you have all these symptoms above you might want to check out the list below, if the answer is ‘NO’ you are very unlikely to have depression.

•  Gain or loss of weight
•  Loss or abnormal increase in appetite
•  Insomnia or sleep disturbance
•  Too restless or excessively busy
•  Feel low, tired and no energy
•  Feeling of worthlessness
•  Feeling excess guilt (about something that you shouldn’t be guilty about)
•  Lack of concentration
•  Having difficulty in thinking and decision making (indecisiveness)
•  Suicidal tendencies and preoccupation with morbidity

If you have five or more of the symptoms above you are very likely to have minor or major state of depression.

Who Can Help?

When in a depressed state friends and family can play a vital role in alleviating a sufferer’s symptoms.  An understanding and cooperative circle of friends and family can be a potent aid to problem solving and returning to good mental health and well being.

It is imperative to:

• Learn about the problem and the state of their mental health.
• Listen and be patient with the person. Being too judgmental or trying to jump to conclusions might worsen the state of their mental health.
• Boost their self esteem and try to keep them happier and make the environment around them comfortable.
• Try to solve their problems.
• If they are not comfortable with discussing something it is advisable to refrain from doing so.
• If they are not comfortable around some particular person/s do not force contact with those people.

What Can You Do? 

• Take out time for pleasant and healthy activities.
• If you have an excessive work load, try to reduce it by dividing or cutting down your work.
• Eat healthy food which may make you feel better about yourself.
• Stay connected with friends, family and the people you love.
• Lighten your load by sharing your problems with your family, friends and loved ones.
•  Physical exercises usually help an individual regain his health. Both Mental and Physical
• Stay away from things that trigger your stress, disorders or phobias.
• If the state gets worse get help from a qualified and practicing physician/physiatrist/psychologist.
• Educate yourself about the problems that you face. It will be a very big help in finding the right solution for your problem

Published in PhotoNews, August 24th, 2014

* Photo “DeviantART”